“Not on my watch, you can’t,” Dorothy said, marching down the hall to the kitchen.
Hannah giggled and shaking her head at her aunt’s haste, followed her. “Need any help?”
“I can manage.”
“At least let me lay the table.”
“You’ll do no such thing.”
It wasn’t long before the aroma of Dorothy’s cooking once again filled the room and a knock at the door signalled Mel and Liv’s arrival. “Sounds like they’re here,” Hannah said, heading down the hall to let them in.
“Thanks for this.” Hannah kept her voice low so Dorothy wouldn’t hear. “I’ve told her there was a table mix-up.”
“Never mind that,” Liv said. “What’s on the menu? I can’t tell you how hungry I am.”
Hannah let out a laugh.
“I’ve had to listen to this non-stop for the last half an hour.” Mel reached into her rucksack and pulled out a bottle of wine. “Mine’s a large one.”
“I’m sorry, but we’ve known each other too long for politeness,” Liv said. “My stomach feels like my throat’s been cut.”
“Come on through and I’ll introduce you to my aunt.” Hannah led the way to the kitchen. “Aunt Dorothy, this is Mel and Liv.”
Dorothy wiped her hands on a tea towel. “Pleased to meet you both.” She immediately indicated they take a seat at the table. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
While Mel and Liv sat down Hannah dug out a corkscrew and opened the wine.
“Gorgeous flowers.” Liv nodded to the profusion of pink blooms on the dresser.
“They’re from Hannah’s new man friend,” Dorothy replied with a nod of her head. She gave Liv a pointed look. “A very handsome man friend, I might add.”
Hannah recalled Gabe’s obsidian eyes, thick dark hair and muscular frame. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
Her friends looked at her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amazement.
“Why are we only just hearing about this?” Mel asked.
“Because it’s nothing like what you’re all thinking,” Hannah replied.
“I think we’ll be the judge of that,” Liz said. “Come on. We want all the details.”
Pouring everyone a glass of wine, Hannah sat down and relayed the events leading to Gabe escorting her home, making it clear she had no interest in him throughout.
“But to then send flowers,” Mel said, once Hannah had finished.
“Exactly,” Liv said. “The man’s definitely into you.”
“That’s what I thought,” Dorothy said.
Hannah took in everyone’s eagerness. “This is exactly why I didn’t say anything. I knew you’d see things that just aren’t there.”
Mel swooned, immediately proving Hannah’s point. “Talk about a knight in shining armour.”
Hannah scoffed. “Damage limitation more like. He was probably worried I’d sue.”
“Where’s your sense of romance?” Mel asked, crestfallen.
“I haven’t got one.”
